EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw’s ‘hidden message’ as his emotional final soap episode airs

Chris Clenshaw’s ‘hidden message’ to EastEnders fans during final episode(Image: BBC)

It was the end of an era in EastEnders tonight, as Chris Clenshaw’s final episode as Executive Producer aired. Chris has been leading the BBC soap since 2022, and announced he’d be stepping down earlier this year.

During his time as producer, Chris created many bold and storylines that will go down in the show’s history, including The Six flashforward whodunit, and the return of Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins).

It was a memorable final episode for Chris, as iconic couple Kat and Alfie tied the knot for the third time – despite Kat calling the wedding off earlier in the week.

Kat and Alfie tied the knot for the third time(Image: BBC)

At the end of the episode, the newlyweds took a moment to themselves, as they reflected on their relationship over the years. However, fans believed Chris added a hidden message from himself in the couple’s conversation.

As the couple reflected on the day on the open top bus, Kat said: “What a mad day.” Alfie then responded: “Yeah. Well it’s been a mad few years hasn’t it?” to which Kat responded: “Oh, I’m knackered. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Fans then took to X, formerly known as Twitter to suspect it was a message from Chris. “This is deffo a message from Chris Clenshaw as it’s his final episode under executive producer #eastenders,” said one, while another penned: “So cute!”

Chris created many bold and storylines including the return of Michelle Collins (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Previously speaking on his decision to step down earlier this year, Chris said: “It has been the honour of my life to work on the show.

“I made the tough decision that I would step down after the 40th anniversary many months ago – to keep EastEnders creatively refreshed as it’s a show that needs to constantly evolve.

After what will be three years at the helm and leading the team through its milestone celebrations, the time feels right that I hand over the keys to The Queen Vic.” He then went on to say how “grateful and proud” he was to the cast and crew.

Ben Wadey has taken over the role as Executive Producer, with his first episode set to air on Monday (June 16). Teasing a huge moment to come, Ben said: “Next week marks the start of something big in Walford that we hope will get everyone talking, and it’s only just the beginning. We’ve got twists, shocks, and plenty of drama lined up for a summer you don’t want to miss.”

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.